Ian Hill
Biography
Publications
Ian Hill is a retired senior career diplomat in the New Zealand foreign ministry. In the course of his 42 years in the diplomatic service, Mr Hill served three times in Moscow, twice as Ambassador (2009–12 and 2016–20). He also served as Deputy Head of Mission for five years in Washington DC, and held other senior foreign service roles in London and the Pacific. Mr Hill served in several senior foreign ministry positions in Wellington, including as Director for European Affairs, and was also the Prime Minister’s foreign affairs adviser from 1993–95. He is currently Adjunct Professor in the Centre for Defence and Security Studies at Massey University and Senior Fellow in the Centre for Strategic Studies at Victoria University of Wellington.
Lukashenko running on empty
Belligerent and unpredictable, Belarus’ president is still an ongoing source of angst for Moscow and its neighbours.
Afghanistan: Russia faces its own risks and uncertainty
Regional instability, refugee flows, extremism, and zero appetite for warfare temper Russia’s stance on Afghanistan.
Russia’s National Security Strategy: Same book, new cover
The subtext of the country’s new security strategy reveals a regime beset by suspicion and insecurity.
Biden-Putin summit: Managing expectations
Plenty of problems could benefit from the US and Russia working together. But don’t confuse talk with approval.
Russia–China: An Unholy Alliance?
There is substantial – although not complete – policy convergence on international issues.
Palaces and protests: Where to next for Russia?
Popular support for Kremlin critic Alexei Navalny won’t bring down the Putin regime, but it has stripped off the façade.
A Biden presidency and US-Russia relations
The new US administration will certainly push back harder on the Kremlin, but there may also be chances for engagement.
Nagorno-Karabakh: Peace – for now
Anger and humiliation at their defeat means Armenia will see this conflict very much as unfinished business.
What does a Biden administration herald for New Zealand?
More congenial relations, certainly, but a competitive diplomatic marketplace in Washington should temper expectations.
